In healthcare environments, some of the greatest threats to patient and resident safety are the ones we cannot see. Biofilms - complex, resilient communities of microorganisms form on surfaces, equipment, drains, touchpoints and even within water systems. Once established, they become highly resistant to traditional cleaning and disinfection methods, creating persistent reservoirs for pathogens that contribute to healthcare-associated infections.
This webinar demystifies biofilms by explaining what they are, how they form, and why they pose such a significant challenge in hospitals, aged-care facilities, clinics and similar settings. Participants will learn where biofilms commonly develop, how to identify risk areas, and the science behind their resistance. Most importantly, the session explores practical strategies: how to clean, disrupt and prevent biofilms even when they are invisible to the naked eye.
Designed for environmental services teams, infection-prevention specialists, facility managers and suppliers, this session highlights why biofilms must be a priority in modern healthcare cleaning. By understanding the unseen microbial threats lingering in the built environment, organisations can enhance safety, reduce infection risks and strengthen overall hygiene outcomes.
SPEAKERS:
Associate Professor Dr.Greg Whiteley, Executive Chairman, Whiteley Corporation
Associate Professor Dr.Greg Whiteley is the Executive Chairman of Whiteley Corporation. Dr. Whiteley is an extensive collaborator and supervises research projects on surface & instrument hygiene, dry surface biofilms and biofilm mediated infections. Dr. Whiteley is an Adjunct Professor at Newcastle University, and Sydney University and Western Sydney University, in parallel with his active research projects.
Dr. Whiteley has served on various Australian Standards committees, and is a consultant to the Australian Dental Associations, National Infection Control Committee. He also serves on various industry boards and committees, both in Australia and the USA.
Linda Lybert, Executive Director, Healthcare Surfaces Institute a Division of ISSA
Linda Lybert is a respected leader and authority in healthcare environmental safety, boasting over 25 years of dedicated experience. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Healthcare Surfaces Institute, a Division of ISSA, Linda has pioneered visionary initiatives to highlight the vital role surfaces play in the transmission of infections across healthcare settings. Linda is now spearheading the development of the ISSA Healthcare Division, which provides strategic guidance, training, and resources to healthcare professionals, manufacturers, and building service providers focused on healthcare environmental hygiene. Her commitment to evidence-based practices drives meaningful progress at the intersection of science, policy, and industry collaboration.
Linda has developed innovative programmes to educate healthcare professionals and industry partners on best practice for infection prevention, with a strong focus on surface safety, choice of materials, and cleaning protocols. Recognised internationally for her thought leadership, she is frequently invited to speak at major healthcare conferences and symposiums. Linda has served on numerous advisory boards and standards committees—including the Facility Guidelines Institute and Healthcare Surfaces Summit—that influence the design of healthcare environments.
Her leadership brings together manufacturers, healthcare providers, regulators, and researchers, fostering partnerships to improve patient safety. Linda’s talent for translating complex scientific insights into practical solutions has seen measurable improvements across healthcare facilities in North America.
Through tireless advocacy, research, and education, Linda Lybert continues to help shape the future of environmental hygiene and infection prevention within healthcare globally.
Dr Rodney E Rohde, Regents’ Professor, Texas State University System; University Distinguished Chair & Professor Medical Laboratory Science [MLS] Program, College of Health Professions
Dr. Rohde is a Regents’ Professor for the Texas State University System. He is a University Distinguished Professor and Chair for the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program and serves as Associate Director for Translational Health Research Center for Texas State University. He is a Global Fellow, Fellow of the Association of Clinical Scientists, Honorary Professor of International studies, and an ASCP board certified Specialist in Virology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology. He served as a public health microbiologist and molecular epidemiologist with the Texas Department of State Bureau of Labs and Zoonosis Control prior to academia, including two terms as a CDC visiting scientist. His research interests include Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance, and clinical / public health microbiology.
He is an Associate Adjunct Professor of Biology at Austin Community College (30 years) where he teaches microbiology. He has published 150+ research articles, abstracts, chapters, two books, and is a keynote presenter with 250+ presentations at all levels. His books focus on MRSA and Clinical Considerations in Rabies. He is a globally viral author, popular keynote speaker, and expert utilizing invited articles, TEDx talks, podcasts, and interviews for science communication and translational health research literacy. The pandemic made Doc R the #1 quoted Texas State expert conducting over 200 interviews, webinars and workshops at the international and national level. He hosts his own podcast for Contagion Live’s “From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis,” is an ASM contributing author, and has his own column for Healthcare Hygiene Magazine.